Jurrien Timber was a surprise omission from Arsenal’s squad to play Brighton in the Premier League on Saturday.
Mikel Arteta gave no indication in the build-up to the match that Timber would not be available for selection against the Seagulls.
But ahead of kick-off at the Emirates, Arsenal boss Arteta revealed why Timber, one of his key players, was not named in the squad.
Asked about the right-back’s absence, Arteta explained that Timber suffered an injury during Tuesday’s Carabao Cup win over Crystal Palace.
‘In the last part of the [Palace] game [on Tuesday]“He felt something and couldn’t go on,” Arteta said. “So he’s gone.”
Timber’s absence against Brighton, along with that of Ben White, meant there was no recognized right-back in Arsenal’s matchday squad.
He played the full 90 minutes four days ago in the quarter-final against Palace, which Arsenal won on penalties after a 1-1 draw in regular time.
The 24-year-old Dutchman has been one of Arsenal’s top players this season, appearing in all 17 top-flight games before the match against Brighton.
Former Arsenal striker Jeremy Aliadiere recently declared that Timber had become the best right-back in the world.
“I don’t think there is a better right-back in the world than Timber,” he said aceodds.com last month.
‘When he first came to the club I thought he was a good signing, but then he got injured straight away.
‘I was worried about whether his career at Arsenal would be over because I know how tough it is to come back from such a serious injury.
But he has been great since he came back and I know a lot of people prefer their full-backs to attack, but for me he is good in attack but he is also strong in defense.
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‘He is rarely beaten in a 1v1 and makes the right choice with the ball.
“When it comes to physical and technical skills, and then his decision-making, I don’t think there’s anyone better.”
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